I appreciate everyone's input.
It hasn't been a matter of confidence: I play a pretty heavy 2 and 4 and we had plenty of people on the floor at our most recent gig. The job is getting done: I would just like to apply some visual excitement without affecting the groove.
If my bandmates (who I adore) actually bring it up, I'll just tell them it's a work in progress that won't happen overnight.
I have always appreciated the fact that I sat behind a set of drums which usually had a lot of cymbals. I don't want to be a "front man". Don't sing either, but the beat goes on and I know for a fact that my expressions never
expressed how I was feeling...but my playing did. The guys out front can handle the glitz, the guys in the back will keep it all together. Let your music do your talking. I can surely agree that it certainly doesn't hurt if your drummer wants to be out front even though he's behind but laying down that beat, ala Charlie, is why we are there. Great for those that add spark but no aplogies for those who just play.........
Was told years ago to practice in front of a mirror to see what you look like. Doesn't take much to change your "look". Set up one in the shred shed (or basement) and give it a try.
Don't let it bother you look at Charlie watts he's like stone with his facial feature where's is the frot person there supposed to b in the spot light I've always liked Being in the shadows
When I play out I always make an effort to look at the audience as well as my bandmates. And when necessary, I look at my drums. If you're playing for an audience you should be interacting with that audience. It doesn't matter if you're a frontman or not. The frontman is nothing more than another part of the "whole" band. We are all equally important and the audience is looking at the "whole" band. Look up and smile or look pi$$ed or a combination of both. Make it look like there's nothing you love more than hitting drums (in time of course). It's not about stick tricks or kicking your stuff over but it is about interaction with those watching you. If you get a bit nervous looking at a crowd look over them toward the back of the room as well as to the corners and everyone in the room will think you're looking at them. They like that so give it a try. Also, look at your bandmates and interact with them. Especially if there's a degree of improv. This will give the audience a visual impression of your onstage musical communication and shows them you're having fun with the people you're with. You can close your eyes sometimes, too. It's just not a good thing to do for the entire night. Why would you want to miss out on the Barbie Doll (or Ken Doll for the ladies of VDF) dancing up a storm? If you make a conscious effort to do it, it will get easier and more natural. In my opinion this is a very important part of a performance.
I think there's nothing wrong with a little showmanship as long as it dosen't get in the way of you doing your job.Showmanship is what finally got drummers noticed.Gene Krupa was pretty dramatic at times as well as Pap Jo Jones.Buddy Rich had some great stick tricks
Ringo had his little head shake thing,and guys like Dino Danelli,Johnny Barbata and Carmine Appice and even Bonzo for a time did some great stick twirls.
The thing all of these guy had in common, was knowing when and how much to show off a little,and provide visually as well as sonicly to their performance..
As long as it's done tastfully and without it being your only noticable feature....I say twirl away...If it's what YOU want to do.
Steve B
I'm not looking to twirl or juggle. I just want to project more enthusiasm while I'm playing without sacrificing the groove. Here's a photo from a recent gig.
I'm watching the guitar player and dropping the hammer, so maybe it's not so bad.
My band hasn't said anything directly, but they've intimated that I don't look like I'm enjoying myself while playing. Nothing could be further from the truth, but there's an aspect of improvisation in our group (intended and unintended) that demands my full attention. I've seen videos and I admit they have a point: In the only possible way I could ever compare myself to Neil Peart, I guess I do project a look of concentration.Whenever I think about the visual aspect, the aural aspect suffers. I'm a little worried, because now I'll be thinking about how my performance looks more.I realize that this isn't the most important aspect of playing, but it is a part of performance that I would like to improve. It's probably something the entire band needs to work on, but I don't feel I can ask for that without clean hands.Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.
My Suggestion:
Ludacris. As long as you're laying it down and kicking it, who cares what your "derned" facial expression is. You don't smile. So what! I used to spend a lot of time with my eyes closed; no one ever accused me of sleeping. You're making music, you're not in a vaudeville act. (Maybe you are, I don't know you.) You groove, you acknowledge the players in your band, feed off each other's energy and that's a wonderful thing. Are you in a "Glam" band?
A drummer making "eye-contact" with the audience is great for birthday parties and small venues; don't let the band become your organ grinder.
B
